Colin Paradis signed a WHL standard player agreement with the Moose Jaw Warriors on Monday. He is pictured with Rob Maclachlin, assistant general manager and head scout of the Warriors. Submitted photo

Paradis signed a standard Western Hockey League player agreement with the Warriors on Monday, making him eligible for their pre-season game tonight (7 p.m., Mosaic Place) against Swift Current.

“I think he earned it,” said Alan Millar, Warriors general manager. “We are happy to have him in the fold.”

Paradis is excited to be a part of the Warriors and thought he proved himself throughout rookie and main camp this past week.

“I thought I did pretty good. I think one of the best parts was that I kept it pretty consistent,” he said. “I think I have shown them quite a bit of what I can do and what I can offer this team, but it is up to them to make that decision.”

Paradis is 100 per cent healthy this camp after breaking his collarbone last season when he played just 30 games for the Sherwood Park Squires of the Alberta Minor Midget Hockey League.

“I am really happy to be at full health after my injury and to be able to play at this level is something that is really exciting for me to know that I can,” he said.

He missed four months in total — two without any hockey and two more months with no contact.

“He had some injuries and a broken collarbone and that set him back,” said Millar. “But we are really happy with how he has come into camp. He plays a smart, solid game. He is a good sized kid and a good young player.”

The Warriors signed the 5’11-180 pound defenceman in the 2013 WHL draft in the fourth round —73rd overall.

“Colin has done real well and has put himself in the position to compete for a spot,” said Millar. “He has made a real good impression on our coaching staff thus far.”

Making that leap from minor midget was a big step for Paradis as well.

“It is a pretty big jump in all aspects of the game — the speed, the physicality, skill level and everything like that, but it is just something you have to pick up on pretty quick,” he said.

Not only did making that jump mean a lot to Paradis, but it also was one of reasons he impressed Millar and the coaching staff.

“I think with the injuries and the level that he played at last year, we were questioning where his development might be at this stage,” said Millar. “He exceeded our expectations.”

Paradis will play in the two exhibition games tonight and on Thursday in Regina. From there, the Warriors will make decisions on some of their younger players, including Paradis.

“It will be a new experience and something to look forward to,” said Paradis. “It should be good to play in front of a full building of fans too.”

This is Paradis’ first year of eligibility to make the team and his development is the most important factor for the Warriors.

“We feel real confident he is going to play for us at 17, at the latest, while he competes for a spot at 16,” said Millar. “We like what he will bring in the future for us.”

Katie Brickman can be reached at 306-691-1260 or on Twitter @katiebrickman.

Colin Paradis signed a WHL standard player agreement with the Moose Jaw Warriors on Monday. He is pictured with Rob Maclachlin, assistant general manager and head scout of the Warriors. Submitted photo